Council hears plan to issue RFQ for Star Innovation District site

City staff told the Lockport City Council that the administration is preparing a request for qualifications, or RFQ, for the Star Innovation District property to identify potential development teams and end users for a prospective data center project.

The presentation said Arcadis will serve as the city's project manager to draft the RFQ, reach out to industry teams, and run the procurement process. "The RFQ process allows us to see the entire team that they would be bringing to the table," said Lance (Staff member). "If we get 10 teams that submit to us, we will know all the teams and all their clients that will be a part of it."

The city said the RFQ takes longer than a limited RFP but provides broader vetting: it identifies teams’ track records, capitalization, and full project teams rather than just individual contractors. Staff estimated an RFQ draft would be ready for council review within about 60 days and said Arcadis will use prior draft documents and industry contacts to shape the scope.

Council discussion focused on process and project management. Staff emphasized Arcadis's ability to provide program management during potential future construction, noting that hiring an experienced firm could spare the city from recruiting additional full‑time construction oversight staff. No formal action was requested at the meeting; staff said they would report back as the RFQ is finalized.

The update followed earlier committee and liaison remarks about the Star Innovation District workshop and related agenda items on the consent list.